1. (

• absorb ,
• suck ,
• imbibe ,
• soak_up ,
• sop_up ,
• suck_up ,
• draw ,
• take_in ,
• take_up ,

) take in, also metaphorically; "The sponge absorbs water well"; "She drew strength from the minister's words" ;

2. (

• assimilate ,
• imbibe

) take (gas, light or heat) into a solution ;

3. (

• drink ,
• imbibe

) take in liquids; "The patient must drink several liters each day"; "The children like to drink soda" ;

4. (

• imbibe

) receive into the mind and retain; "Imbibe ethical principles" ;